FAWU Hosts Seminar on Illicit Tobacco Trade

FAWU held a seminar this week on the illicit tobacco trade in South Africa and the negative impact it has on the revenue as well as the devastating effect it will have on those of our members who work in the industry.

Delegates heard presentations from British American Tobacco (BAT) and some of our members employed by the company made presentations on how job losses have affected the community in Heidelberg in Johannesburg. The small town is in danger of becoming a ghost town as a result of dwindling job opportunities.

Presentations demonstrated that the illegal trade of tobacco is harming the economy in that these fake cigarette sellers are avoiding tax and as a result make generous earnings from selling counterfeit products. Money is therefore diverted away from social grants upon which many of our poor citizens rely on. These cheap, easily accessible cigarettes and the distribution thereof, is often unregulated and young children under the legal age can easily access these cheap, bogus cigarettes.

FAWU resolved to actively engage in campaigns against the illicit trade of tobacco from as early as January 2018.

Crime SA`s Yusuf Abramjee also made a presentation on the horrifying state of crime in South Africa. Problems were identified with the 1011 emergency number. Cde Yusuf said that technology should be used to fight crime and made us aware of a brilliant app Namola which needs to be downloaded onto your phone and will IMMEDIATELY assist individuals when you find yourself a victim of crime at any time.